CATS begin to provide direction for practice by asking a clinical question, reviewing the literature and summarizing the best available research evidence on the subject. These CATs were reviewed by the instructors and learners in the course but independent peer reviews were not conducted. They are not edited and appear as submitted by the learners who gave their permission for posting. Questions or feedback regarding these CATs may be addressed to the Program Assistant.

Critically Appraised Topics

Ariss, J. (2014). The effectiveness of aerobic exercise with social interaction versus without social interaction to reduce symptoms of depression. (PDF)

Berry, M. (2008). In older adults, there is
insufficient statistical evidence to support or refute that physical
activity combined with a simultaneous secondary task will improve
mobility to a greater extent than physical activity alone. (PDF)

Boniface, G. (2013). Effectiveness of Journal Clubs an an Intervention to Promote Evidence Based Practice. (PDF)

Holuboff, B. (2010). Does mobilization of the acutely ill elder on day of admission decrease their risk for developing delirium? (PDF)

Hooper, J. (2009). Are lower extremity strengthening exercises as effective as strengthening and physical therapy modalities to allow active adults with early knee osteoarthritis to high impact activity? (PDF)

Kennedy, D. (2006). The Effectiveness of Sensory Strategies Used in the Classroom to Increase the Productivity of Students with Autism. (PDF)

Leclerc, A. (2006). The effectiveness of hard shell hip protectors in the prevention of hip fractures in the older adult population residing in residential care is uncertain. (PDF)

Marsh, L. (2007). There is insufficient evidence to recommend passive range of motion exercises over pendulum exercises for the first six weeks post total shoulder replacement. (PDF)

McLean, A. (2007). For adults with traumatic brain injury, evidence does not support the remedial approach for memory, but does support attentional remediation for those with mild impairment, although lacks in demonstrating functional outcomes and in comparing effectiveness with the compensatory approach. (PDF)

Mira, F. (2015). Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on quality of life in adults with ADHD. (PDF)

Sabarre , C. (2007). Current evidence suggests that Sensory Integration (SI) treatment interventions are as effective as other forms of therapy in behavioural outcomes for youth and young adults with early psychosis. (PDF)

Strickey, S. (2007). There is evidence to suggest that partial weight-bearing gait training is no more effective than conventional gait training in achieving independent ambulation in a traumatic brain injury population. (PDF)

Sylvest, D. (2007). There is evidence that strengthening exercises improve the ability of frail seniors living in residential facilities to transfer. (PDF)

van Rijn, T. (2006). What is the effect of physiotherapy and neurostimulant medication with physiotherapy and placebo on the functional motor recovery of persons who have suffered stroke? (PDF)

Widmer Leu, C. (2006). There is some clinical evidence that straight leg raises in the early period after cruciate ligament surgery do no harm to the graft or cause other negative outcomes. (PDF)

Wilson Prager, A. (2011). Effectiveness of Exercise or Other Leisure Activities in Reducing Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. (PDF)